The Kirk Kerkorian Medical Education Building
Launching the future of academic health.
As the school’s first permanent structure and centerpiece of the Las Vegas Medical District, the newly built, five-story Kirk Kerkorian Medical Education Building (MEB) offers state-of-the-art design, cutting-edge technology and environmental advancements.
MEB was made possible through the generous donors who contributed to the Nevada Health & Bioscience Corporation (NHBC). A nonprofit corporation that began in May 2019, the NHBC is committed to the community, UNLV, and enhancing academic medicine in Southern Nevada.
Functionality and flexibility abound in the 135,000-square-foot building, providing optimum learning opportunities with standardized patient rooms, a simulation suite, virtual anatomy classrooms, and a prosection lab. The building also houses an open forum for large gatherings, a learning resource center operated by UNLV Libraries, as well as a cafe, wellness center, outdoor terrace and walking trail for students.
Certified LEED Silver, the building earned points by adhering to prerequisites and credits that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental quality.
Although the groundbreaking for MEB was on October 29, 2020, completion of the building came just two years later, under budget. In just eight years, the journey from the establishment of funds to a brand-new, state-of-the-art educational facility has been completed. As we look beyond the journey, we can truly see the future of academic health is just beginning.
Explore
Level 1
Simulation & Clinical Skills
This advanced training facility incorporates several types of simulation:
- Standardized patients
- Virtual reality
- Task trainers
- Computerized simulation
Simulation and clinical skills enhance skills, clinical competencies, and reinforce teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Virtual Anatomy Lab
Designed to prepare students for utilizing imaging in varied formats.
A Sectra table allows students to see the human body from macro to micro dissection. Users have full control over the clipping plane and the ability to explore images while reinforcing anatomical relationships between cadaveric and radiology images, such as CT and MRI scans. Ultrasound training is also provided.
Prosection Lab
Level 2
Dr. Barbara Atkinson Forum
This forum is a modern presentation space designed to encourage small to mid-sized groups to host informational and keynote sessions. This area is named in honor of Founding Dean Dr. Barbara Atkinson and her immense contributions to this medical school.
For information on upcoming sessions in the forum, please visit our Events webpage and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Learning Studios
The learning studios are not only the largest classrooms, but also have the highest versatility and can transition from a multitude of classroom layouts to testing and professional networking settings. Designed to also hold cohorts of up to 120 students for lecture and group learning, the studios contain advanced display and AV technology.
Level 3
Problem-Based Learning
Problem-based learning or PBL (also known as case-based learning) is done in small, interactive groups to facilitate students applying basic science knowledge to clinical applications. PBL uses tailored cases to create an interactive learning environment that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving, and the integration of basic science knowledge with patient diagnosis, care, and treatment. The classrooms are designed for interactive group learning and brainstorming while utilizing collaborative software and display thinking processes and reasoning.
Academic Success
A comprehensive support center that engages with students from their first week of classes in order to prepare them for performing at their best during all phases of the curriculum and its testing milestones. Students can access the office any time for one-on-one counseling, small group study sessions, and peer tutoring. Learning advisors also help students identify their learning styles, the best resources to complement their studies, and preparation for national exams.
Learning Commons
The learning commons, part of UNLV Libraries, supports the school of medicine, its faculty, staff, medical students, residents, and fellows. Located on the third and fourth floors, the learning commons provides access to print and electronic resources, a computer lab, printing station, and an audio production lab/makerspace (3-D printing). Faculty, staff, and students can meet with library faculty for research consultations and get assistance from the library staff with services provided virtually and onsite.
Admissions & Recruitment
Focuses on creating an experience for pre-applicants/applicants that allows them to understand the mission of the school while also putting their best foot forward during the application process. Receiving over 1,500 applications per year, the office of admissions and the admissions committee work diligently to find the best and the brightest to study and train to become future physicians who will serve Nevada.
Student Financial Services
Offers resources, online education, and individualized financial aid counseling as it relates to student financial wellness and managing the cost of attendance. Support includes navigating the federal financial aid system/programs, scholarship opportunities, loan and debt counseling, and financial literacy education, tools and resources.
Student Affairs & Career Services
Supports students from orientation through graduation by being their advisors and advocates as they embark on their professional training and education. From specialty advising to student life, this office is integral in the 4-year student experience.
Level 4
Well-Being
This floor offers a dedicated gym, reflective/relaxation spaces, socialization with peers, recreation, nutrition options, and various sizes of rooms to study or have conversations. Sponsored activities include yoga classes, chair massage days, visits from therapy dogs, and other outside events such as hiking, gardening, cooking, along with group events such as marathons, intramural sports, or musical endeavors. The office of well-being also facilitates training through the center for mind body medicine and connects with families through communication channels like My MD-to-Be.
Student Lounge & Study Spaces
Students can focus on their studies while also finding places to rest and recharge. Study spaces are located throughout the building with the highest concentration on the fourth floor. Rooms are designed for 1-person study and up to 10-person study.
The lounge area affords space for students to prepare meals, visit, and partake in games like ping-pong or enjoy a PlayStation. Additionally, students make check out field equipment and take a break on the artificial turf located outside the building.
Level 5
The fifth floor houses additional classrooms and offices.
Schedule A Tour
The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV Office of Admissions offers building tours to prospective students. To join a scheduled tour, visit our events page.